World Hypertension Day is marked around the world on May 17 annually to highlight the importance of monitoring blood pressure and bringing global awareness to people living with high blood pressure.
Ahead of the day, a medical team from Takoradi Hospital are embarking on an awareness creation within the Sekondi-Takoradi Metropolis.
In an interview with Yao Mawutor Fianu on the Mid Morning Lounge Show, the Medical Superintendent at the Takoradi Hospital, Dr George Peprah, together with Madam Benedicta Bentil, a nurse at the Takoradi hospital, gave a detailed description of hypertension, its risk factors and the measures to keep the ailment under control.
According to Dr George Peprah, hypertension is when the blood pressure is higher than normal, which when not detected early could lead to serious complications.
Dr. Peprah asserted that Hypertension is a silent and serious condition and he further advised individuals to check their blood pressure and also try to have discipline taking in the prescribed medication when diagnosed with hypertension.
The local theme for the commemoration of the day is, ‘May measurement month– Hypertension, Check it, Control it to focus on combatting the low awareness rates worldwide’.
Madam Benedicta Bentil says it is a necessity for World Hypertension Day to be celebrated worldwide because of the effects uncontrolled hypertension has on the human body.
She said, there is no exact cause of hypertension but it does come with risk factors and gave further details about the risk factors of hypertension.
According to Dr. Peprah, everyone is predisposed to getting hypertension as it is common and 1 in 3 people have hypertension, which at the moment is the leading cause of death worldwide.
This month he reiterated is dedicated to educating and creating awareness of hypertension in the public and also doing free health screening.
